Starting out on Instagram can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to grow your followers quickly.

Many new business owners feel like they need to wait and see before making a significant impact on Instagram. However, this “wait and see” approach often leads to missed opportunities. Instagram is a powerful platform that, when used strategically, can help you build a loyal following. In this post, we’ll go over my five proven strategies to gain more followers on Instagram, even if you’re just getting started.

Firstly, Be Consistent

Consistency is key to building a strong Instagram presence. It’s easy to start with excitement, posting multiple times in a week or even every day. But as the initial excitement wears off, and other business tasks pile up, it’s common to see Instagram activity decrease. This inconsistency can make it difficult for followers to know what to expect from you, and it may lead to decreased engagement over time.

Why should you be consistent?

When you’re consistent, your followers know that they can expect new, valuable content from you regularly. This makes them more likely to engage with your posts and stick around for future content. Plus, Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor accounts that post regularly, as these accounts are more likely to keep users engaged on the platform.

How to Stay Consistent

One strategy to maintain a steady posting schedule is by batch-creating content. Spend a day each week or month creating multiple posts at once, so you’re not scrambling for ideas every day. You can save these posts as drafts or use a scheduling tool to post automatically. This way, even when you’re busy with other responsibilities, your Instagram account will still be active.

Consider setting a goal for yourself, such as posting three times per week or sharing Instagram Stories daily. Over time, you’ll get a feel for what works best for you, and consistency will become a habit.

Secondly, Make Sure You Have a Strong Instagram Bio

Your Instagram bio is essentially the first impression your profile gives to potential followers. You only have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention, so make sure every part of your bio serves a purpose.

What to Include in Your Bio?

• Clear Profile Picture: For business accounts, this is often a logo, while personal brands might use a high-quality headshot. Make sure it’s clear and easily recognizable.

• Business Summary: Use concise, engaging language to explain what your brand is about. Be direct and use keywords related to your niche.

• Call-to-Action (CTA): Use the limited character space wisely by including a CTA, like “Follow for tips on X,” or “Click below for free resources!” This gives visitors an incentive to stay connected.

• Link: Instagram only allows one clickable link, so use it strategically. You could link to your website, a current promotion, or a Linktree-style page with multiple links.

Each part of your bio should work together to make a strong impression on visitors. When they understand who you are and what you offer, they’re more likely to hit that follow button.

Thirdly, Engage with Other Instagram Accounts and Comment Intentionally

Engagement is one of the most overlooked aspects of Instagram growth. It’s not enough to post content and wait for followers to come to you. Proactive engagement, commenting, liking, and following relevant accounts can help expand your reach and build a network on Instagram.

Why Engagement Works?

Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that actively engage with others. When you engage with other accounts, especially those within your niche, Instagram will likely show your account to people who follow or engage with those accounts as well.

How to Engage Effectively

Aim to set aside about 10-15 minutes each day for intentional engagement:

• Reply to Comments: Start by responding to comments on your own posts. This not only encourages more engagement on your content but also shows that you value your followers.

• Comment on Relevant Posts: Explore hashtags or industry accounts to find posts from people who fit your target audience. Instead of generic comments like “Nice post,” leave thoughtful, engaging comments that add value.

• Message New Followers: When people follow you, send a friendly, non-promotional message thanking them. This can set a positive tone and build a connection.

Through these interactions, you’ll gain exposure to potential followers who see your comments and decide to check out your profile.

Furthermore, Use Instagram Hashtags with Every Post

Hashtags are a powerful discovery tool on Instagram. When you use the right hashtags, your content becomes visible to a larger, targeted audience.

Finding the Right Hashtags

It’s essential to use hashtags that are relevant to your content and niche. A good mix of popular, niche-specific, and location-based hashtags can increase the likelihood of your posts reaching the right people.

Best Practices for Hashtags

1. Research Competitors and Influencers: Look at other accounts in your industry to see which hashtags they’re using.

2. Use a Combination of Hashtags: Instead of only using broad, highly competitive hashtags, include specific and niche hashtags. For example, instead of only using #entrepreneur, add #solopreneur and #smallbiztips.

3. Experiment: Try different hashtags on various posts and analyze which ones drive the most engagement. Instagram’s analytics can show you which posts got views from hashtags, so you can refine your strategy over time.

A consistent hashtag strategy can make a significant difference in reaching new followers who are interested in the content you share.

Lastly, Focus on Engaging Content that Appeals to Your Audience

One of the most common mistakes Instagram beginners make is creating content that’s all about them rather than what their followers want to see. If you want to attract and retain followers, you must create content that’s valuable, engaging, and speaks directly to their needs and interests.

Content that Adds Value

Each time you post, ask yourself, “What’s in it for my followers?” The best Instagram accounts provide value, whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspirational. Consider the following types of posts:

• Tips and Tricks: Provide quick, actionable advice that solves a common problem your audience faces.

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share behind-the-scenes photos or videos that make your audience feel like insiders.

• User-Generated Content: Encourage followers to tag you in posts related to your products or services. Reposting their content can foster a sense of community.

• Inspirational Stories: Share stories that inspire, motivate, or showcase your brand’s values. These types of posts can strengthen your brand’s connection with followers.

When followers find your content useful and relatable, they’re more likely to engage and share it, which can lead to even more exposure.

Staying Inspired and Avoiding Burnout

Managing an Instagram account can be demanding, especially when you’re trying to grow your follower count. Here are some extra tips to help you stay inspired and keep up with your posting schedule:

1. Plan Ahead: Content calendars are a great way to plan out your posts for the month. This allows you to see the bigger picture and ensures your content is balanced and strategic.

2. Get Feedback: Ask your followers what type of content they enjoy most. Use polls in Instagram Stories to gather feedback.

3. Experiment with New Features: Instagram frequently adds new features like Reels, interactive stickers, and more. Experimenting with these can increase your reach.

4. Keep Learning: Social media trends and algorithms change often. Stay updated on the latest Instagram tips and strategies by following reliable sources or influencers in your industry.

Conclusion

Growing your Instagram account doesn’t require years of experience or a massive following to make an impact. By being consistent, optimizing your bio, engaging with others, using effective hashtags, and focusing on content that resonates with your audience, you can create a strong foundation for your Instagram success.

Instagram is a dynamic platform that rewards creativity, consistency, and genuine engagement. With these five essential strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to not only gain followers but also build a community that values what you have to offer. Don’t wait, start putting these tips into action today and watch your Instagram presence grow!

Stick to all these and I’m certain you’ll come back and say “thank you Oma”, I’ll be waiting to welcome you.